OCTOBER 11, 2026

TEXT: 1 John 2:12-14

Introduction: Development is a process that takes place over time in every area of life.
Maturing is a process of development that takes place over time. (Genesis4:3; Luke 2:52; Colossians 1:10; Ephesians 4:13; Job 8:20; Psalm 37:37; James 3:2)
* Mental development
* Physical development
* Emotional development
* Social development
* Spiritual development

I. We all begin spiritually as a child (vv. 12, 13c)
A. We are born into God’s family by having our sins forgiven (John 3:3, 6-7)
B. We are to grow through benefitting from God’s Word (I Peter 2:1-3; II Peter 3:14-18)
C. We are to mature through using God’s Word by obeying it (Hebrews 5:11-14)

II. We grow as a child to become stronger to mature (vv. 13b, 14)
A. Experiencing spiritual victories in our life by yielding to God and His Spirit
B. Becoming stronger spiritually to resist the devil and temptation (James 4:6-8)
C. Becoming stronger spiritually to help others and be dependable

III. We keep growing faithfully to maturity with wisdom (vv. 13a, 14a)
A. We read and reread God’s Word to gain more truth
B. We read and reread God’s Word to know God more intimately
C. We read and reread God’s Word to learn to depend on God more fully
D. We read and reread God’s Word to be an example of faithfulness and be leaders